Be Approachable and Open to Discussing Their Social Challenges

Ever tried to get your kid to talk about their day and only got a shrug, a mysterious 'fine,' or a 30-minute monologue about a pencil? Welcome to Social Challenge HQ, where the password is 'I dunno.' If you’re tired of feeling like an undercover agent just to find out who stole whose snack, this is your jam—let’s make your living room the go-to confessional for all things playground drama.

Kids who feel safe opening up about their social struggles develop stronger emotional intelligence, resilience, and coping skills. Neurologically, having a trusted adult to process feelings with helps kids regulate their stress responses, build empathy, and strengthen those all-important prefrontal cortex connections for problem-solving. For you? Less mystery, more connection, and maybe even a chance to relive your own awkward cafeteria moments (but now with wisdom and better snacks).

How to do it

  • Start by making yourself available—both physically and emotionally—while avoiding hovering or being overbearing.

  • Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation, but don’t interrogate. For example, try asking, “What was the weirdest thing that happened today?” instead of “Did you make any friends?”

  • Listen more than you talk. Hold off on giving lectures or advice unless it’s truly needed.

  • Share your own stories of social mishaps to help normalize the struggle and show that everyone faces challenges.

  • Always end the conversation with a gesture of support, such as a hug, high five, or a simple “I’m here if you want to talk more.”
    Bonus points if you offer snacks!

Key Tips:

  • Be present but not overbearing.
  • Use questions that invite stories, not just yes/no answers.
  • Focus on listening rather than solving.
  • Normalize challenges by sharing your own experiences.
  • End interactions with warmth and reassurance.

When your child gets home from school or after any group activity.

Sit down with them for just one minute and ask, 'What was the funniest or weirdest thing that happened today?'
Give yourself a mental high-five or do a goofy victory dance when they share even one detail.
Set up a cozy corner with pillows, snacks, and maybe a silly stress ball or two, so it feels inviting for chats.

During snack time or while prepping dinner together.

Pull one question from the jar and answer it together.
Smile, laugh, or share a silly story of your own in response.
Create a 'question jar' filled with fun, non-threatening conversation starters (e.g., 'If you could swap lunches with anyone, who would it be?').

On weekend afternoons or right before bedtime.

Invite your child to play or do the activity, and casually ask one open-ended question during the game.
Celebrate with a secret handshake or by letting your child pick the next activity.
Pick a favorite board game or activity you both enjoy that naturally leads to conversation.